Christian Center offers alternative to New Year’s event

On New Year’s Eve, the Neosho United Methodist Church Christian Life Center will host an alternative to ringing in the New Year.

Todd G. Higdon

On New Year’s Eve, the Neosho United Methodist Church Christian Life Center will host an alternative to ringing in the New Year.

“This (party) is to give an alternative to children, young people, from going out of town, they can stay here in town and (have) a safe environment,” said Rhonda Sexton Neosho United Methodist Church New Life Center director.

The event will be held from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., with formal attire suggested, and is free of charge.

“There will be plenty of parental chaperones and parents are invited to stay as well,”
Sexton said. “We want everyone to come.”

There will be refreshments, including finger foods, but no alcohol will be served. Some games, including karaoke, will be provided.

“We are going to make a big dance floor,” said Sexton. “We are going to try to recreate Times Square in New York. We will have our own ball to drop at midnight.”

Sexton also noted that the center will pipe-in the “Dick Clark Rockin’ New Year’s Eve”
onto the PowerPoint screen. The church’s middle youth and high school youth are putting on the program.

“So we will celebrate with them at 11 p.m. (our time) and then again at 12 o’clock,” Sexton said.

Currently, there are 25 people who have signed up for the event. Sexton is hoping to have 50 people or more show up.

This is the first time the center has hosted this type of event. Sexton noted The Bridge in Joplin is offering something similar to this, but it costs.

“This (the center’s event) is just a good thing for young people to be able to participate in, because it is something safe and fun,” said Sexton. “And it encourages them to bring their friends and have a good time.”

For more information, contact the United Methodist Church Christian Life Center at 451-2324.